The ITV soap recently revealed that Billy has been fighting in unlicensed boxing matches to help financially support his family, who have been struggling while baby Evan is unwell.

While Billy’s secret is now known by Mackenzie Boyd and John Sugden – who helped stitch up Billy’s wounds after he was injured during a boxing match – Dawn is still in the dark.

Kontzle, who plays Billy, has now opened up about what this secret could mean for Billy and Dawn’s relationship when it eventually comes to light, teasing a possible split for the couple on the horizon.

“It’s not great keeping secrets in the first place,” he began. “Everyone always says that they will die for their family. But would you live for them? Would you keep healthy for them?

“And what Billy’s doing is risking his life and something bad does happen to him. If the injury was in any other place, like a vital organ, or a puncture in a certain part of his body, he’s gone.”

Kontzle continued: “He’s risking his life because he thinks it’s good for his family, he’ll do anything for his family, but realistically Dawn wants him to be healthy and to be there for his family, and he’s kind of putting it all on the line.

“If Dawn was made aware of what’s actually happening here, I think she would hit the roof.

“In anyone else’s eyes, apart from Billy, it would be a selfish decision, because he’s doing what he wants to do, and it’s not got the best of outcomes. You can get seriously damaged from it.”